Basic HTML Version
220
The Ministry of Health and Healing
The narrow ideas of some would-be health reformers have been
a great injury to the cause of healthful living. Those who advocate
the principles of healthful living should remember that reform in
diet will be judged, to a great degree, by the provision they make
for their tables; and they should so exemplify its principles as to
commend them to candid minds. There is a large class who will
oppose any reform movement, however reasonable, if it places a
restriction on the appetite. They consult taste instead of reason or the
laws of health. This class will consider as radical all who advocate
reform, no matter how consistent their course. That these persons
may have no ground for criticism, health reformers should not try to
see how different they can be from others, but should come as near
to them as possible without sacrificing principle.
[181]
When those who advocate reform in health practices go to ex-
tremes, it is no wonder that many who regard these persons as
representing health principles reject the reform altogether. These
extremes frequently do more harm in a short time than could be
undone by a lifetime of consistent living.
True health reform is based upon principles that are broad and
farreaching, and we should not discredit it by narrow views and
practices. Nor should we permit opposition or ridicule, or a desire to
please or influence others, to turn us from true principles or cause us
lightly to regard them. Those who are governed by principle will be
firm and decided in standing for the right, yet in all their associations
they will manifest a generous, Christlike spirit and true moderation.
[182]